Semiconductor memory device including output buffer

ABSTRACT

An apparatus includes an external terminal, an output circuit having an impedance corresponding to a code signal, and a calibration circuit configured to produce the code signal responsive to a comparison of a voltage at the external terminal with a reference voltage, the comparison performed by a first cycle period in a first mode and by a second cycle which is longer than the first cycle period in a second mode.

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority fromJapanese Patent Application No. 2014-098420 filed on May 12, 2014, thedisclosure of which are incorporated herein in its entirely byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a semiconductor device and asemiconductor system provided with such a semiconductor device, and inparticular, related to a semiconductor device provided with acalibration circuit for controlling an impedance of an output unit and asemiconductor system provided with such a semiconductor device.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

A semiconductor device, such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)includes an output unit for outputting data to the outside. The outputunit is designed so as to provide a desired impedance when activated.However, due to influences such as process deviations and temperaturechanges, the desired impedance as designed is not necessarily obtained.For this reason, in the semiconductor device in which the impedance ofthe output unit needs to be controlled with high precision, an impedanceadjusting circuit which is referred to as a calibration circuit has beenprovided (see JP-A No. 2011-119632 and JP-A No. 2006-203405).

The calibration operation is executed not only responsive to acalibration command issued from the outside, but also at the time of aninitialization operation after power application. Neither a readingoperation nor a writing operation is carried out during the calibrationoperation. Therefore, noise from the reading operation or writingoperation does not cause adverse effects to the calibration operation.

However, in recent years, a semiconductor device has been proposed inwhich the reading operation and the writing operation can be carried outeven during the calibration operation. The inventor found that, in thiscase, by taking into consideration influences of noise caused during thereading operation and writing operation, the calibration operation needsto be carried out.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing configuration of a semiconductorsystem provided with a semiconductor device.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an entire configuration of thesemiconductor device.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an output bufferincluded in a data input/output circuit, which depicts a portion that isassigned to one of data input/output terminals.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a pull-up unit.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing a pull-down unit.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a calibration circuit.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing one example of an electric potential change ina calibration terminal in the case when a linear search method is used.

FIG. 8 is a graph showing one example of an electric potential change inthe calibration terminal in the case when a binary search method isused.

FIG. 9 is a timing chart for use in explaining a stale in which awriting operation is executed during a calibration operation.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a timinggeneration circuit.

FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram of an initial determination unit.

FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram of a clock signal generation unit.

FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram of a periodic signal generation unit.

FIG. 14 is a timing chart for use in explaining operations of acalibration circuit.

FIG. 15 is a circuit diagram of a comparison circuit in accordance witha first example.

FIG. 16 is a circuit diagram of a comparison circuit in accordance witha second example.

FIG. 17 is a circuit diagram of a calibration circuit in accordance witha modified example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a semiconductorsystem 6 provided with a semiconductor device 10.

The semiconductor system 6 includes a plurality of semiconductor devices10 and a controller 8 that controls these devices. Although notparticularly limited, each semiconductor device 10 can be a DRAM of aDDR4 (Double Data Rate 4) type integrated into a single semiconductorchip, which carries out reading and writing operations based upon anaddress signal ADD, a command signal COM and external clock signals CKand CKB, supplied from the controller 8.

The address signal ADD is commonly supplied to address terminals 21 ofthe plural semiconductor devices 10 through an address bus ADB. Thecommand signal COM is commonly supplied to command terminals 22 of theplural semiconductor devices 10 through a command bus CMB. In this case,however, with respect to some of the command signal COM, such as a chipselect signal or the like, those signals may be individually supplied toone or two or more semiconductor devices 10. The external clock signalsCK and CKB are commonly supplied to clock terminals 23 of the pluralsemiconductor devices 10 through a clock bus CLB.

Read data DQ is outputted from the data input/output terminal 24 of eachsemiconductor device 10 at the time of a reading operation, and is thensupplied to the controller 8 through the data bus DB. On the other hand,write data DQ outputted from the controller 8 at the time of a writingoperation is supplied to the data input/output terminal 24 of eachsemiconductor device 10 through the data bus DB. As shown in FIG. 1, thedata bus DB is commonly connected to the plural semiconductor devices 10as shown in FIG. 1.

The semiconductor devices of the present invention are not necessarilyprepared as semiconductor devices capable of carrying out an inputtingoperation (writing operation) of data, and may be prepared as devicesonly capable of carrying out a data outputting operation (readingoperation), such as a semiconductor memory device of a ROM type. In thiscase, data output terminals are used in place of the data input/outputterminals.

A calibration terminal ZQ is provided in each semiconductor device 10.The calibration terminal ZQ is connected to a power supply electricpotential VDDQ through a reference resistance element RZQ provided on amemory module substrate or a mother board. The reference resistanceelement RZQ is a resistance that is referred to at the time of acalibration operation to be described later. With respect to theresistance value of other elements or circuits, if the resistance valueis the same as the resistance value of the reference resistance elementRZQ, it is denoted as “RZQ”.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an entire configuration of thesemiconductor device 10.

The semiconductor device 10 is assembled on an external substrate 2. Theexternal substrate 2 may be a memory module substrate or a mother boardforming the semiconductor system 6 to which the reference resistanceelement RZQ is provided. As described earlier the reference resistanceelement RZQ is connected to a calibration terminal ZQ of thesemiconductor device 10, and its impedance is used as a referenceimpedance of the calibration circuit 41.

As shown in FIG. 2, the semiconductor device 10 has a memory cell array11. The memory cell array 11 includes a plurality of word lines WL and aplurality of bit lines BL, /BL, and has a configuration in which memorycells MC are disposed on these intersections. The selection of the wordline WL is carried out by a row decoder 12, and the selection of the bitlines BL, /BL is carried out by a column decoder 13.

The paired bit lines BL, /BL are connected to a sense amplifier SAMP inthe memory cell array 11. The sense amplifier SAMP amplifies an electricpotential difference occurring between the bit lines BL and /BL andsupplies read data thus obtained to a complementary local IO lineLIOT/LIOB, The read data supplied to the local 10 line LIOT/LIOB istransferred to a complementary main IO line MIOT/MIOB through a switchcircuit TG. Then, the read data on the main IO line MIOT/MIOB isconverted to a signal of a single end format by a main amplifier 39, andsupplied to the data input/output circuit 40 through a read/write busRWBS.

The semiconductor device 10 includes an address terminal 21, a commandterminal 22, a clock terminal 23, a data input/output terminal 24, powersupply terminals 25, 26, and a calibration terminal ZQ, as externalterminals.

The address terminal 21 is a terminal to which an address signal ADD isexternally inputted. The address signal ADD is supplied to an addresscontrol circuit 32 through an address input circuit 31. Of the addresssignals ADD supplied to the address control circuit 32, a row addressXADD is supplied to the row decoder 12, a column address YADD issupplied to the column decoder 13, and a mode signal MADD is supplied toa mode register 14.

The mode register 14 is a circuit for use in setting a parameterindicating an operation mode of the semiconductor device 10. A modesignal outputted from the mode register 14 includes an impedanceselection signal MODE. The impedance selection signal MODE is suppliedto the data input/output circuit 40. The impedance selection signal MODEis a signal for use in selecting an output impedance at the time of areading operation.

The command terminal 22 is a terminal to which a command signal COM isexternally inputted. The command signal COM is supplied to a commanddecode circuit 34 through a command input circuit 33. Moreover of thecommand signals COM, a clock enable signal CKE is also supplied to aninner clock generation circuit 36. The command decode circuit 34generates various inner commands by decoding the command signals COM.The inner commands include an active signal ACT, a read signal READ, awrite signal WRITE, a mode register setting signal MRS, a calibrationsignal CMDSB, a reset signal ZQRST, and the like.

The active signal ACT can be activated when the command signal COMindicates a row access (active command). When the active signal ACT isactivated, the row address XADD latched by the address control circuit32 is supplied to the row decoder 12. Thus, a word line WL specified bythe row address XADD is selected.

The read signal READ and the write signal WRITE can be respectivelyactivated when the command signal COM respectively indicate the readcommand and write command. When the read signal READ or the write signalWRITE is activated, a column address YADD latched by the address controlcircuit 32 is supplied to the column decoder 13. Thus, a bit line BL or/BL specified by the corresponding column address YADD is selected.

Therefore, by inputting the active command and the read command, as wellas inputting a row address XADD and a column address YADD in synchronismwith these, read data is read out from a memory cell MC specified bythese row address XADD and column address YADD. The read data DQ isexternally outputted from the data input/output terminal 24 through themain amplifier 39 and the data input/output circuit 40.

On the other hand, by inputting the active command and the writecommand, as well as inputting a row address XADD and a column addressYADD in synchronism with these, with write data DQ being then inputtedto the data input/output terminal 24, the write data DQ is supplied tothe memory cell array 11 through the data input/output circuit 40 andthe main amplifier 39, and written onto a memory cell MC specified bythe row address XADD and the column address YADD.

The mode register setting signal MRS is activated when the commandsignal COM indicates a mode register setting command. Therefore, byinputting the mode register setting command, as well as inputting a modesignal MADD from the address terminal 21 in synchronism with these, theset value of the mode register 14 can be rewritten.

The calibration signal CMDSB can be activated when the command signalCOM indicates a calibration command. When the calibration signal CMDSBis activated, the calibration circuit 41 carries out a calibrationoperation so as to subsequently generate an impedance code ZQCODE.

Upon application of power to the semiconductor circuit 10, the commanddecode circuit 34 executes an initial setting operation so that thereset signal ZQRST and the calibration signal CMDSB are activated inthis order. The reset signal ZQRST is a signal for resetting thecalibration circuit 41. Thus, upon application of power to thesemiconductor device 10, after having been reset to the initial state,the calibration circuit 41 automatically executes a calibrationoperation. In the case when a reset command is issued from the outsidealso, the command decode circuit 34 activates the reset signal ZQRST andthe calibration signal CMDSB in this order.

Here, going back to the explanation of the external terminal provided inthe semiconductor device 10, the external clock signals CK and CKB areinputted to the clock terminal 23. The external clock signal CK and theexternal clock signal CKB are mutually complementary signals, and aresupplied to the clock input circuit 35. Upon receipt of the externalclock signals CK and CKB, the clock input circuit 35 generates an innerclock signal PCLK. The inner clock signal PCLK is supplied to the innerclock generation circuit 36 that is activated by the clock enable signalCKE. An inner clock signal LCLK, which is thus phase-controlled, isgenerated. Although not particularly limited, a DLL circuit may be usedas the inner clock generation circuit 36. The inner clock signal LCLK issupplied to the data input/output circuit 40, and used as a timingsignal that determines the output timing of the read data DQ.

The inner clock signal PCLK is also supplied to a timing generator 37,which generates various inner clock signals ICLK. The various innerclock signals ICLK are supplied to circuit blocks, such as the addresscontrol circuit 32 and command decode circuit 34, so as to regulate theoperation timings of these circuit blocks.

The power supply terminal 25 is a terminal through which power supplyelectric potentials VDD and VSS are supplied. The power supply electricpotentials VDD and VSS are first supplied to an inner power supplygeneration circuit 38. Based upon the power supply electric potentialsVDD and VSS, the inner power supply generation circuit 38 generatesvarious inner electric potentials VPP, VOD, VARY and VPERI as well asreference electric potentials ZQVREF and VOH. The inner electricpotential VPP has an electric potential to be mainly used by the rowdecoder 12, the inner electric potentials VOD and VARY have electricpotentials to be used by the sense amplifier SAMP in the memory cellarray 11. The inner electric potential VPERI has an electric potentialto be used by many other circuit blocks. On the other hand, thereference electric potentials ZQVREF and VOH are reference electricpotentials to be used in the calibration circuit 41.

The power supply terminal 26 is a terminal through which power supplyelectric potentials VDDQ and VSSQ are supplied. The power supplyelectric potentials VDDQ and VSSQ are first supplied to the datainput/output circuit 40. The power supply electric potentials VDDQ andVSSQ respectively have the same electric potentials as those of thepower supply electric potentials VDD and VSS to be supplied to the powersupply terminal 25. However, so as to prevent power supply noisegenerated by the data input/output circuit 40 from propagating to othercircuit blocks, the exclusively used power supply electric potentialsVDDQ and VSSQ can be used for the data input/output circuit 40.

The calibration terminal ZQ is connected to the calibration circuit 41.When activated by a calibration signal CMDSB, the calibration circuit 41carries out a calibration operation by referencing the impedance of thereference resistance element RZQ and the reference electric potentialsZQVREF and VOH. An impedance code ZQCODE obtained by the calibrationoperation is supplied to the data input/output circuit 40, and theimpedance of an output unit included in the data input/output circuit 40is thus determined. Moreover, the calibration circuit 41 is reset by thereset signal ZQRST.

The calibration circuit 41 executes the calibration operation insynchronism with an oscillator clock signal OSC generated by anoscillator 42. The oscillator clock signal OSC is a first clock signalthat is asynchronous to the external clock signals CK and CKB. Theoscillator 42 is activated by a calibration state signal. ZQACToutputted from the calibration circuit 41. The calibration state signalZQACT is a state signal indicating that the calibration circuit 41 isactivated.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an output buffer OBincluded in the data input/output circuit 40, which shows a portionassigned to one of data input/output terminals 24.

As shown in FIG. 3, the output buffer OB includes seven pull-up unitsPU0 to PU6 and seven pull-down units PD0 to PD6 per each datainput/output terminal 24. The output nodes of the pull-up units PU0 toPU6 and pull-down units PD0 to PD6 are commonly connected to the datainput/output terminal 24. Each of the pull-up units PU0 to PU6 has thesame circuit configuration, and in the case when it is not necessary toparticularly distinguish from one another, they are generally referredto simply as “pull-up unit PU”. In the same manner, each of thepull-down units PD0 to PD6 has the same circuit configuration, and inthe case when it is not necessary to particularly distinguish from oneanother, they are generally referred to simply as “pull-down unit PD”.

Each of the pull-up units PUi (i=0 to 6) and each of the pull-down unitsPDi (i=0 to 6) form a pair. Then, as to how many pairs of units to beused, it is determined by the impedance selection signal MODE outputtedfrom the mode register 14. Moreover, inner data DATA is supplied fromthe main amplifier 39 to the pull-up units PU0 to PU6 and the pull-downunits PD0 to PD6. In the case when the inner data DATA shows a highlevel, one or two or more pull-up units of the pull-up units PU0 to PU6specified by the impedance selection signal MODE are activated so thatthe data input/output terminal 24 is thus driven to the high level. Onthe other hand, in the case when the inner data DATA shows a low level,one or two or more pull-down units of the pull-down units PD0 to PD6specified by the impedance selection signal MODE are activated so thatthe data input/output terminal 24 is thus driven to the low level.

The impedance of each of the activated pull-up units PU0 to PU6 isspecified by the code signal CODEPU. In the same manner, the impedanceof each of the activated pull-down units PD0 to PD6 is specified by thecode signal CODPD.

In the present embodiment, the impedance target value of the pull-upunits PU0 to PU6 is 2RZQ, and the impedance target value of thepull-down units PD0 to PD6 is RZQ. Therefore, in the case when j-numberof pairs of units are used by the impedance selection signal MODE, theimpedance at the time of the high level output becomes 2RZQ/j, and theimpedance at the time of the low level output becomes RZQ/j.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing the pull-up unit PU.

As shown in FIG. 4, the pull-up unit PU includes a transistor unit TRUcomposed of five N-channel-type MOS transistors TNU0 to TNU4 that areconnected in parallel with one another and a high resistance wiring unitRW. The drains of the transistors TNU0 to TNU4 are commonly connected toa power supply wiring VL for supplying a power supply electric potentialVDDQ, and the sources of the transistors TNU0 to TNU4 are connected tothe data input/output terminal 24 through the high resistance wiringunit RW. The high resistance wiring unit RW forms a resistance that ismade of a tungsten wire or the like, and set to, for example, about120Ω.

Respective bits DCODEPU0 to DCODEPU4 forming a code signal DCODEPU arerespectively supplied to the gate electrodes of the transistors TNU0 toTNU4, respective. Thus, the five transistors TNU0 to TNU4 are controlledso as to be individually turned on/off based upon the value of the codesignal DCODEPU. As shown in FIG. 4, the code signal DCODEPU may beobtained by logically synthesizing the respective bits of the codesignal CODEPU and the inner data DATA by using an AND gate circuit.Thus, in the case when the inner data DATA represents a low level, allthe transistors TNU0 to TNU4 are turned off since all the bits DCODEPU0to DCODEPU4 forming the code signal DCODEPU become the low levelirrespective of the value of the code signal CODEPU. On the other hand,in the case when the inner data DATA represents a high level, since thevalue of the code signal CODEPU, as it is, forms the value of the codecontrol signal DCODEPU so that some of the transistors TNU0 to TNU4 areturned on.

In this case, a ratio (W/L ratio) between the channel width (W) and thechannel length (L) of the transistors TNU0 to TNU4, that is, a currentsupplying capability, is weighted by using a power of 2. Morespecifically, supposing that the W/L ratio of the transistor TNU0 is 1WLnu, the W/L ratio of the transistor TNUk (k=0 to 4) is designed to beset to 2k/WLnu. Thus, the impedance of the pull-up unit PU can beadjusted in 32 stages at maximum.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing the pull-down unit PD.

As shown in FIG. 5, the pull-down unit PD includes a transistor unit TRDcomposed of five N-channel-type MOS transistors TND0 to TND4 that areconnected in parallel with one another and a high resistance wiring unitRW. The sources of the transistors TND0 to TND4 are commonly connectedto a power supply wiring SL for supplying a ground electric potentialVSSQ, and the drains of the transistors TND0 to TND4 are connected tothe data input/output terminal 24 through the high resistance wiringunit RW.

The respective bits DCODEPD0 to DCODEPD4 forming a code signal DCODEPDare respectively supplied to the gate electrodes of the transistors TND0to TND4. Thus, the five transistors TND0 to TND4 are controlled so as tobe individually turned on/off based upon the value of the code signalDCODEPD. As shown in FIG. 5, the code signal DCODEPD may be obtained bylogically synthesizing the respective bits of the code signal CODEPD andthe inversion signal of the inner data DATA by using an AND gatecircuit. Thus, in the case when the inner data DATA represents a highlevel, all the transistors TND0 to TND4 are turned off since all thebits DCODEPD0 to DCODEPD4 forming the code signal DCODEPD become the lowlevel irrespective of the value of the code signal CODEPD. On the otherhand, in the case when the inner data DATA represents a low level, sincethe value of the code signal CODEPD, as it is, forms the value of thecode signal DCODEPD so that some of the transistors TND0 to TND4 areturned on.

In this case, a ratio (W/L ratio) between the channel width (W) and thechannel length (L) of the transistors TND0 to TND4, that is, a currentsupplying capability, is weighted by using a power of 2. Morespecifically supposing that the W/L ratio of the transistor TND0 is 1WLnd, the W/L ratio of the transistor TNDk (k=0 to 4) is designed to beset to 2k×WLnd. Thus, the impedance of the pull-down unit PD can also beadjusted in 32 stages.

In this manner, the impedance of the pull-up units PU and the pull-downunits PD can be respectively adjusted by the code signals CODEPU andCODEPD. The code signals CODEPU and CODEPD form an impedance code ZQCODEand are generated by the calibration operation by the calibrationcircuit 41 indicated y FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the calibration circuit 41.

As shown in FIG. 6, the calibration circuit 41 includes a pull-up unitPUR corresponding to a replica unit of the pull-up unit PU and pull-downunits PDR0 to PDR5 corresponding to replica units of the pull-down unitPD. The pull-up unit PUR is an output unit having the same circuitconfiguration as that of the pull-up unit PU, and its impedance iscontrolled by the code signal CODEPU. In the same manner, each of thepull-down units PDR0 to PDR5 is an output unit having the same circuitconfiguration as that of the pull-down unit PD, and its impedance iscontrolled by the code signal CODEPD.

As shown in FIG. 6, the output nodes of the pull-down units PDR1 to PUR5are commonly connected to the calibration terminal ZQ, and alsoconnected to a comparison circuit COMPD. The comparison circuit COMPDcompares the electric potential VZQ of the calibration terminal ZQ withthe reference electric potential VREFDQ, and based upon the results,generates an up/down signal UDD serving as a determination signal. Theup/down signal UDD is supplied to the counter circuit CNTD, and basedupon this signal, a code signal CODEPD that is the count value of thecounter circuit CNTD is counted up or counted down.

The comparison circuit COMPD and the counter circuit CNTD are operatedin synchronism with clock signals CLK1D and CLK4D outputted from thetiming generation circuit TMD. Although the detailed description thereofwill be given later, the timing generation circuit TMD generates clocksignals CLK1D and CLK4D in synchronism with an osciliator clock signalOSC supplied from the oscillator 42, and also generates a calibrationstate signal ZQACT.

Moreover, the output nodes of the pull-up unit PUR and the pull-downunit PDR0 are connected to a connection point A. The connection point Ais connected to the comparison circuit COMPU. The comparison circuitCOMPU compares the electric potential of the connection point A with thereference electric potential VOH, and based upon the results, generatesan up/down signal UDU serving as a determination signal. The up/downsignal UDU is supplied to the counter circuit CNTU, and based upon thissignal, a code signal CODEPU that is the count value of the countercircuit CNTU is counted up or counted down.

The comparison circuit COMPU and the counter circuit CNTU are operatedin synchronism with clock signals CLK1U and CLK4U outputted from atiming generation circuit TMU. The timing generation circuit TMUgenerates clock signals CLK1U and CLK4U in synchronism with theoscillator clock signal OSC supplied from the oscillator 42.

The calibration operation is carried out in the following sequence ofprocesses.

First, when the calibration signal CMDSB is activated, the timinggeneration circuit TMD is activated so that the clock signals CLK1D andCLK4D are periodically generated. In response to these, the comparisoncircuit COMPD is activated so that the electric potential of thecalibration terminal ZQ and the electric potential of the referenceelectric potential VREFDQ are compared with each other. In the case whenas a result, the electric potential of the calibration terminal ZQ islower than the electric potential of the reference voltage VREFDQ, thecounter circuit CNTD is counted down by using the up/down signal UDD sothat the value of the code signal ODEPD is reduced. Thus, since theimpedance of the pull-down units PDR1 to PDR5 becomes high by thisprocess, the electric potential of the calibration terminal ZQ israised. In contrast, in the case when the electric potential of thecalibration terminal ZQ is higher than the electric potential of thereference voltage VREFDQ, the counter circuit CNTD is counted up byusing the up/down signal UDD so that the value of the code signal ODEPDis raised. The counting up and counting down of the counter circuit CNTDare carried out in synchronism with the clock signal CLK4D. Thus, sincethe impedance of the pull-down units PDR1 to PDR5 becomes low by thisprocess, the electric potential of the calibration terminal ZQ islowered.

By repeating these operations in synchronism with the clock signalsCLK1D and CLK4D, the electric potential of the calibration terminal ZQis made substantially equal to the reference electric potential VREFDQ.In this case, the level of the reference electric potential VREFDQ isset to VDDQ/6, and to the calibration terminal ZQ, five pull-down unitsPDR1 to PDR5 are connected in parallel with one another; therefore, whenthe electric potential of the calibration terminal ZQ is brought into asubstantially equal state with the reference electric potential VREFDQ,each of the pull-down units PDR1 to PDR5 is also adjusted to the sameresistance value (RZQ) as that of the reference resistance element RZQ.Additionally, the impedance of the pull-down unit PDR0 is also adjustedto the value RZQ.

Upon completion of the calibration operations of the pull-down unitsPDR1 to PDR5, an end signal ENDPDB is outputted from the counter circuitCNTD, and a calibration operation of the pull-up unit PUR issuccessively started.

When the end signal ENDPDB is activated, the timing generation circuitTMU is activated so that clock signals CLK1U and CLK4U are periodicallygenerated. In response to these, the comparison circuit COMPU isactivated so that the electric potential of the connection point A andthe electric potential of the reference electric potential VOH arecompared with each other. In the case when as a result, the electricpotential of the connection point A is higher than the referenceelectric potential VOH, the counter circuit CNTU is counted down byusing the up/down signal UDU so that the value of the code signal CODEPDis reduced. Thus, since the impedance of the pull-up unit PUR becomeshigh by this process, the electric potential of the connection point Ais lowered. In contrast, in the case when the electric potential of theconnection point A is lower than the electric potential of the referenceelectric potential VOH, the counter circuit CNTU is counted up by usingthe up/down signal UDU so that the value of the code signal CODEPU israised. Since the impedance of the pull-up unit PUR becomes low by thisprocess, the electric potential of the connection point A is raised.

By repeating these operations in synchronism with the clock signalsCLK1U and CLK4U, the electric potential of the connection point A ismade substantially equal to the reference electric potential VOH. Inthis case, the level of the reference electric potential VOH is set toVDDQ/3 and the impedance of the pull-down unit PDR0 is already adjustedto RZQ, therefore, when the electric potential of the connection point Ais brought into a substantially equal state with the reference electricpotential VOH, the pull-up unit PUR is adjusted to a resistance value(2RZQ) that is two times as high as the reference resistance elementRZQ.

Upon completion of the calibration operations of the pull-up unit PUR,an end signal CALEND is outputted from the counter circuit CNTU, and thetiming generation circuits TMD and TMU are reset. Thus, since thecalibration state signal ZQACT is inactivated, the operation of theoscillator 42 is stopped. As described above, the sequence of thecalibration operations are completed.

Then, code signals CODEPU and CODEPD generated by the calibrationoperations are respectively supplied to the pull-up units PU0 to PU6 andthe pull-down units PD0 to PD6 that form the output buffer OB. Thus, theimpedance of the pull-up units PU0 to PU6 is adjusted to 2RZQ, and theimpedance of the pull-down units PD0 to PD6 is adjusted to RZQ.

The updating method of the count value by using the counter circuitsCNTD and CNTU is not particularly limited, and a so-called linear searchmethod may be used, or a so-called binary search method may also beused.

The linear search method is a method for incrementing or decrementingthe count value. In the case when this method is used the electricpotential of the calibration terminal ZQ or the connection point A ischanged with a predetermined pitch. FIG. 7 is a graph that shows oneexample of the electric potential change of the calibration terminal ZQin the case of using the linear search method, which indicates that theelectric potential of the calibration terminal ZQ comes closer towardVDDQ/6 that is a target electric potential by ΔV for every predeterminedcontrol period Ts. In the case of using the linear search method, thearrival time to the target electric potential becomes longer as adifference between the current electric potential and the targetelectric potential becomes greater; however, there is an advantage inthat even if the comparison circuits COMPD and COMPU temporarily causean erroneous determination due to influences of noise, it is possible tocorrectly arrive at the target electric potential by repeating correctdeterminations thereafter.

On the other hand, the binary research method is a method fordetermining the count value from the high-order bit side. FIG. 8 is agraph that shows one example of the electric potential change of thecalibration terminal ZQ in the case of using the binary search method,which indicates that when the count value is 4 bits, the calibrationoperations are completed by carrying out determinations of four times.In the case of the example shown in FIG. 8, the count value is startedfrom “0000”, and when the most significant bit is determined in thefirst determinations the electric potential VZQ of the calibrationterminal ZQ is changed by 8×ΔV; when the high-order two bits aredetermined in the second determination, the electric potential VZQ ofthe calibration terminal ZQ is changed by 4×ΔV; when the high-orderthree bits are determined in the third determination, the electricpotential VZQ of the calibration terminal ZQ is changed by 2×ΔV; andwhen the least significant bit is determined in the fourthdetermination, the electric potential VZQ of the calibration terminal ZQis changed by ΔV. In the case of using the binary search method, thearrival time to the target electric potential becomes constantirrespective of the difference between the current electric potentialand the target electric potential; however, when the comparison circuitsCOMPD and COMPU temporarily cause an erroneous determination due toinfluences of noise, it becomes impossible to correctly reach the targetelectric potential, even if a correct determination is carried outthereafter.

Therefore, in the case when the binary search method is adopted, acircuit configuration having high noise resistance is desirably used soas to prevent the comparison circuits COMPD and COMPU front causing anerroneous determination due to influences of noise. As a typical case inwhich the comparison circuits COMPD and COMPU are subjected toinfluences of noise, a case where a reading operation or a writingoperation is executed during the calibration operation is exemplified.

FIG. 9 is a timing chart for use in explaining the case where a writingoperation is executed during the calibration operation.

In the example of FIG. 9, a calibration command ZQS is issued at time t1and time t2, and in response to these, the calibration signal CMDSB isactivated. When the calibration signal CMDSB is activated, thecalibration state signal ZQACT is set to the high level.

In the semiconductor device 10 in accordance with the presentembodiment, the calibration operation can be carried out in thebackground, and in the example shown in FIG. 9, the calibration commandZQS is issued during a period in which the memory cell array 11 is inthe active state. Moreover, at time t3 and time t4, the write command WRis issued, and in response to this, the memory cell array 11 carries outthe writing operation during the calibration operation. The writingoperation, is terminated before times t5 and t6, which will be describedlater.

When the sequence of the calibration operations by the calibrationcircuit 41 are completed, the calibration state signal ZQACT isinactivated so that the oscillator 42 is stopped. Thus, the value of theimpedance code ZQCODE is determined. Thereafter, when an impedance codelatch command ZQL is issued at time t5 and time t6, the impedance codeZQCODE is supplied to the data input/output circuit 40. As a result, theimpedance of the output circuit OB included in the data input/outputcircuit 40 is adjusted to a level reflecting the value of the impedancecode ZQCODE.

In this manner, when the reading operation, or the writing operation isexecuted during the calibration operation, noise caused by the readingoperation and writing operation is propagated to the calibration circuit41, with the result that the possibility of the comparison circuitsCOMPD and COMPU causing an erroneous determination becomes higher.Therefore, in the calibration operation to be executed in response tothe calibration command, influences of noise need to be taken intoconsideration.

In contrast, during the calibration operation to be executed at theinitial setting time after the power application, since neither readingoperation nor writing operation is earned out, the necessity of havingto take influences of noise into consideration becomes smaller than thatin the calibration operation to be executed in response to thecalibration command. The same is true tor the calibration operation inresponse to the reset command.

By taking the above-mentioned points into consideration, thesemiconductor device 10 switches conditions of the calibration operationto be executed at the initial setting time after the power applicationand at the time of issuing the reset command and the calibrationoperation to be executed in response to the calibration command. Thefollowing description will give explanations, with these points beingfocused.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the timinggeneration circuit TMD.

As shown in FIG. 10, the timing generation circuit TMD includes aninitial determination unit 51, a clock generation unit 52 and a periodicsignal generation unit 53.

The initial determination unit 51 receives the calibration signal CMDSB,the reset signal ZQRST and the end signal CALEND, and generates acalibration state signal ZQACT and a status signal CLLONG. The statussignal CLLONG is supplied to the periodic signal generation unit 53.Based upon some of the second clock signals CLK1 to CLK19 supplied fromthe clock generation unit 52 and the status signal CLLONG, the periodicsignal generation unit 53 generates a periodic signal DIVDEC. Theperiodic signal DIVDEC is fed back to the clock generation unit 52.Moreover, of the clock signals CLK1 to CLK19 outputted from the clockgeneration unit 52, the clock signals CLK1D and CLK4D are supplied tothe comparison circuit COMPD and the counter circuit CNTD as shown inFIG. 6.

With respect to the timing generation circuit TMU also, the end signalENDPDB is used in place of the calibration signal CMDSB, and it has thesame circuit configuration as that of the timing generation circuit TMDshown in FIG. 10 except that the generation of the calibration statesignal ZQACT is not carried out. Since the clock generation unit 52 andthe periodic signal generation unit 53 of the timing generation circuitsTMD and TMU are integrated with each other, a configuration for reducingthe current consumption may be adopted. By also inputting thecalibration signal CMDSB to the timing generation circuit TMU, such aconfiguration as to simultaneously execute calibrations on both of thepull-up side and pull-down side may be adopted.

FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing the initial determination unit 51.

As shown in FIG. 11, the initial determination unit 51 includes two SR(set/reset) latch circuits SR1 and SR2 and a latch circuit L0 for use inselecting either one of the latch circuits SR1 and SR2. The outputsignal of the latch circuit SR1 is outputted as an initial signalCLINIT, and the output signal of the latch circuit SR2 is outputted as astatus signal CLLONG. The initial, signal CLINIT and the status signalCLLONG are logically synthesized by an OR gate circuit G and outputtedas the calibration state signal ZQACT.

The latch circuit L0 latches high level data in synchronism with thetailing edge of the initial signal CLINIT, and a selection signal INITOKserving as its output signal is supplied to the latch circuits SR1 andSR2. Since the latch circuit L0 is reset by the reset signal ZQRST, theselection signal INIOK becomes the low level when the reset signal ZQRSTis activated, and when the initial signal CLINIT falls down thereafter,the selection signal INITOK changes to the high level. In the case whenthe selection signal INITOK has been once changed to the high level, theselection signal INITOK maintains the high level until the reset signalZQRST has been activated.

During the period in which the selection signal INITOK is kept in thelow level, the latch circuit SR1 is selected. In the case when the latchcircuit SR1 is selected, if the calibration signal CMDSB is activated tothe low level, the latch circuit SR1 is set so that the initial signalCLINIT (and the calibration state signal ZQACT) subsequently becomes thehigh level. Thereafter, when the end signal CALEND rises up, the latchcircuit SR1 is reset so that the initial signal CLINIT (and thecalibration state signal ZQACT) returns to the low level.

As described above, when the initial signal CLINIT changes from the highlevel to the low level, the selection signal INITOK outputted from thelatch circuit L0 is changed to the high level.

During a period in which the selection signal INITOK is kept in the highlevel, the latch circuit SR2 is selected. In the case when the latchcircuit SR2 is selected, if the calibration signal CMDSB is activated tothe low level, the latch circuit SR2 is set so that the status signalCLLONG (and the calibration state signal ZQACT) subsequently becomes thehigh level. Thereafter, when the end signal CALEND rises up, the latchcircuit SR2 is reset so that the status signal CLLONG (and thecalibration state signal ZQACT) returns to the low level.

By carrying out these operations, upon the first arrival of thecalibration signal CMDSB after the activation of the reset signal ZQRST,the status signal CLLONG becomes the low level, while upon the secondarrival and thereafter of the calibration signal CMDSB, the statussignal CLLONG becomes the high level. In this case, the first arrival ofthe calibration signal CMDSB is made in response to a power applicationor the issue of a reset command, and the second arrival of thecalibration signal CMDSB is made in response to the issue of thecalibration command.

FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram showing the clock generation unit 52.

As shown in FIG. 12, the clock generation unit 52 includes a shiftregister composed of a plurality of latch circuits L1 to L5, L7, L9,L11, L13, L15, L17 and L19 that are longitudinally connected to oneafter another. To the latch circuit L1 on the initial stage, theperiodic signal DIVDEC is inputted. Then, the latch circuits outputsclock signals CLK1 to CLK5, CLK7, CLK9, CLK11, CLK13, CLK15, CLK17 andCLK19.

The latch circuits L1 to L4 carry out shifting operations at a ½ cycleof the oscillator clock signal OSC, while the otter latch circuits L5,L7, L9, L11, L13, L15, L17 and L19 carry out shifting operations at onecycle of the oscillator clock signal OSC. In this case, the reason thatthe latch circuits L1 to L4 are designed to carry out shiftingoperations at the ½ cycle of the oscillator clock signal OSC is becauseby further reducing the phase difference of the clock signals CLK1 toCLK4, fine adjustments can be easily carried out on the designing stage.

These latch circuits are reset during a period in which the calibrationstate signal ZQACT is inactivated to the low level. Then, uponactivation of the calibration state signal ZQACT to the high level, ashifting operation of the periodic signal DIVDEC is carried out insynchronism with the oscillator clock signal OSC.

FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram showing the periodic signal generation unit53.

As shown in FIG. 13, the periodic signal generation unit 53 includes anOR gate circuit G1 for receiving the clock signals CLK1, CLK3, CLK5 andCLK7 and an OR gate circuit G2 for receiving the clock signals CLK9,CLK11, CLK13, CLK15 and CLK17. The output signal and the status signalCLLONG of the OR gate circuit G2 are supplied to a NAND gate circuit G3.Then, the output signals from the OR gate circuit G1 and the NAND gatecircuit G3 are supplied to an AND gate circuit G4, and its output signalis used as the periodic signal DIVDEC.

With such a configuration, since in the case when the status signalCLLONG is in the low level, the output signal of the NAND gate circuitG3 is fixed to the high level, the periodic signal DIVDEC is activatedto the high level when all the clock signals CLK1, CLK3, CLK5 and CLK7are set to the low level. In this case, the generation period of theperiodic signal DIVDEC corresponding to a control period Ts is set to afirst period (T1).

On the other hand, in the case when the status signal CLLOG is in thehigh level, the periodic signal DIVDEC is activated to the high levelwhen all the clock signals CLK1, CLK3, CLK5, CLK7, CLK9, CLK11, CLK13,CLK15 and CLK17 are set to the low level. In this case, the generationperiod of the periodic signal DIVDEC corresponding to the control periodTs becomes a second period (T2) that is longer than the first period.

FIG. 14 is a timing chart for use in explaining operations of thecalibration circuit 41.

In an example shown in FIG. 14, prior to time t10, the power applicationor the issue of a reset command has been carried out so that the resetsignal ZQRST is subsequently activated to the high level. Thereafter, attime t10, the reset signal ZQRST is changed to the low level, andmoreover, at time t11, the calibration signal CMDSB is activated. Theactivation of the calibration signal CMDSB at time t11 is executed inresponse not to the issue of the calibration command, but to the powerapplication or the issue of the reset command.

Since the activation of the calibration signal CMDSB at time t11 is thefirst activation after the reset signal ZQRST has been cancelled, theinitial signal CLINIT is activated while the status signal CLLONG is notactivated. For this reason, the periodic signal generation unit 53,shown in FIG. 13, generates the periodic signal DIVDEC with a relativelyshort first period. In this case, when all the clock signals CLK1, CLK3,CLK5 and CLK7 become the low level the periodic signal DIVDEC isactivated to the high level; therefore, the generation period T1 of theperiodic signal DIVDEC corresponds to 5 cycles of the oscillator clocksignal OSC. That is, 5 cycles of the oscillator clock signal OSC formthe control period Ts.

During a period in which the periodic signal DIVDEC is generated at thefirst period, clock signals CLK1D, CLK4D (CLK1U, CLK4U) are extracted,and operations of the comparison circuit COMPD (COMPU) and the countercircuit CNTD (CNTU) are controlled. Thereafter, when the end signalCALEND becomes the high level at time t12, the sequence of calibrationoperations are completed.

In this case, neither a read command nor a write command is appliedduring this period since TZQ1 corresponding to a sequence of calibrationoperation periods is one portion of the initial setting operationperiod. For this reason, the occurrence of noise in the calibrationcircuit 41 is relatively small.

Thereafter, a calibration command is externally issued, the calibrationsignal CMDSB is again activated at time t13 so that the calibrationoperations are executed. Since the activation of the calibration signalCMDSB at time t13 is an activation of the second time or thereafterafter the reset signal ZQRST has been cancelled, the status signalCLLONG is activated. For this reason, the periodic signal generationunit 53, shown in FIG. 13, generates the periodic signal DIVDEC with arelatively long second period. In this case, the periodic signal DVDECis activated to the high level since in the case when all the clocksignals CLK1, CLK3, CLK5, CLK7, CLK9, CLK11, CLK13, CLK15 and CLK17 areset to the low level. As a result, the generation period T2 of theperiodic signal DIVDEC corresponds to 10 cycles of the oscillator clocksignal OSC. That is, 10 cycles of the oscillator clock signal OSC formthe control period Ts.

During a period in which the periodic signal DIVDEC is generated at thesecond cycle, clock signals CLK1D, CLK4D (CLK1U, CLK4U) are extracted,and operations of the comparison circuit COMPD (COMPU) and the countercircuit CNTD (CNTU) are controlled. Then, the end signal CALEND becomesthe high level at time t14, the sequence of calibration operations arecompleted. Even thereafter, in response to the calibration command, thecalibration signal CMDSB is activated at time t15, and the end signalCALEND is activated at time t16.

In this case, in TZQ2 corresponding to a sequence of calibrationoperation periods in response to the calibration command, a read commandor a write command is sometimes applied. For this reason, it can be saidthat the occurrence of noise in the calibration circuit 41 is relativelyhigh.

FIG. 15 is a circuit diagram showing the comparison circuit COMPD inaccordance with the first example.

The comparison circuit COMPD shown in FIG. 15 includes an amplifier 61for use in comparing the electric potential VZQ of the calibrationterminal with the reference electric potential VREFDQ and a capacitor 62connected to the output node of the amplifier 61.

The amplifier 61 compares the electric potential VZQ of the calibrationterminal with the reference electric potential VREFDQ, and based uponthe electric potential difference, drives the output node so that acharging/discharging operation of the capacitor 62 is carried out. Inother words, in the case when the electric potential VZQ of thecalibration terminal is higher than the reference electric potentialVREFDQ, the charging process of the capacitor 62 is carried out bydriving the output node to the high level. In contrast, in the case whenthe electric potential VZQ of the calibration terminal is lower than thereference electric potential VREFDQ, the discharging process of thecapacitor 62 is carried out by driving the output node to the low level.

The operations of the amplifier 61 is controlled by a latch circuit SR3.The latch circuit SR3 is an SR (set/reset) type latch circuit which isset by the clock signal CLK4D and reset by the clock signal CLK1D, andduring a period in which the latch circuit SR3 is set, the amplifier 61is activated. Thus, during a period until the clock signal CLK1D hasbeen activated after the activation of the clock signal CLK4D, theamplifier 61 carries out a comparing operation so that acharging/discharging operation is executed on the capacitor 62. In thiscase, the period from the activation of the clock signal CLK4D to theactivation of the clock signal CLK1D corresponds to thecharging/discharging periods T1B and T2B shown in FIG. 14.

With respect to the charging level of the capacitor 62, a pre-chargingprocess to a predetermined level is carried out by the pre-chargecircuit 63. During the period in which the latch circuit SR3 is reset,the pre-charge circuit 63 pre-charges the capacitor 62 to thepredetermined level. In this manner, the amplifier 61 and the pre-chargecircuit 63 carry out operations exclusively.

Moreover, the charging level of the capacitor 62 is determined by thelatch circuit 64, and the resulting signal is outputted as an up/downsignal UDD serving as a binary signal. The latching operation by thelatch circuit 64 is carried out in synchronism with the clock signalCLK1D.

FIG. 16 is a circuit diagram showing the comparison circuit COMPD inaccordance with the second example.

In the example of FIG. 16, the amplifier 61 has two output nodes thatoutput complementary signals, and a capacitor 62T is connected to one ofthe output nodes, with a capacitor 62B being connected to the otheroutput node.

When the electric potential VZQ of the calibration terminal is higherthan the reference electric potential VREFDQ, the amplifier 61 drivesthe one of the output nodes to the high level so that the capacitor 62Tis charged, while driving the other node to the low level so that thecapacitor 62B is discharged. In contrast, in the case when the electricpotential VZQ of the calibration terminal is lower than the referenceelectric potential VREFDQ, the amplifier 61 drives the one of the outputnodes to the low level so that the capacitor 62T is discharged, whiledriving the other node to the high level so that the capacitor 62B ischarged.

Then, after having been determined by a differential amplifier circuit65, the charged levels of the capacitors 62T and 62B are latched by thelatch circuit 64, and outputted as an up/down signal UDD.

In accordance with the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 16, theelectric potential difference between the electric potential VZQ of thecalibration terminal and the electric potential of the referenceelectric potential VREFDQ can be compared with high precision.

Additionally, with respect to the comparison circuit COMPU also, thesame circuit configuration as that of FIG. 15 or FIG. 16 is providedexcept that the amplifier 61 compares the electric potential of theconnection point A with the reference electric potential VOH.

In this manner, since the comparison circuits COMPD and COMPU aredynamic comparison circuits using the capacitor 62 (62T, 62B), there isa possibility of an erroneous determination when the charged level ofthe capacitor 62 (62T, 62B) fluctuates due to influences of noise.

As described above, the operations of the comparison circuits COMPD andCOMPU are controlled by the clock signals CLK1D and CLK4D (CLK1U andCLK4U). In this case, a period from the rising edge of the clock signalCLK1D (CLK1U) to the rising edge of the clock signal CLK4D (CLK4U) formsa period in which file capacitor 62 (62T, 62B) is pre-charged, whichcorresponds to the pre-charge period T1A, T2A shown in FIG. 14. Theperiod T1A is included in a period T1 in the case of the low level ofthe status signal CLLONG, and the period T2A is included in a period T2in the case of the high level of the status signal CLLONG. Since theseperiods T1A and T2A mutually have the same length, there is no change inthe pre-charging period of the capacitor 62 (62T, 62B).

In contrast, charging/discharging periods T1B and T2B which correspondto periods from the rising edge of the clock signal CLK4D (CLK4U) to therising edge of the clock signal. CLK1D (CLK1U) have mutually differentlengths. The charging/discharging periods T1B and T2B are periods inwhich a charging/discharging process of the capacitor 62 (62T, 62B) iscarried out by the amplifier 61, and the length is changed depending onthe level of the status signal CLLONG. Moreover, the driving capabilityof the amplifier 61 for charging the capacitor 62 (62T, 62B) alsochanges depending on the status signal CLLONG. More specifically, it isdesigned such that in the case when the status signal CLLONG becomes thehigh level to change the charging period to be longer, the outputresistance becomes relatively higher, with the result that the currentsupplying capability for driving the two output nodes becomes relativelylower. In contrast, in the case when the status signal CLLONG becomesthe low level to change the charging period to be shorter, the outputresistance becomes relatively lower, with the result that the currentsupplying capability for driving the two output nodes becomes relativelyhigher. By making the output resistance relatively higher in the casewhen the charging period is long, the function of the circuit serving asa low-pass filter can be enhanced.

More specifically, in the case when the status signal CLLONG is in thelow level, that is, in the calibration operation of the first time inresponse to the power application or the issue of the reset command, theperiod T1B is set to 3.5 cycles of the oscillator clock signal OSC,which is a short period. In contrast, in the case when the status signalCLLONG is in the high level, that is, in the calibration operation ofthe second time or thereafter in response to the issue of a calibrationcommand, the period T2B is set to 8.5 cycles of the oscillator clocksignal OSC, which is 2.43 times as long as the period T1B.

Thus, in the calibration operation of the first time in response to thepower application or the issue of the reset command, the countercircuits CNTD and CNTU can be updated more times within a predeterminedcalibration period. Upon power application, the electric potential ofthe calibration terminal ZQ and the electric potential of the connectionpoint A tend to be widely separated from the reference electricpotential VREFDQ or VOH in many cases; however, in accordance with thepresent embodiment, for example, even in the case of carrying out alinear searching operation, the electric potential of the calibrationterminal ZQ and the electric potential of the connection point A can beadjusted correctly. Moreover, since in the calibration operation of thefirst time, neither a read operation nor a write operation is carriedout, influences of noise are hardly caused. For this reason, even whenthe period T1B during which a charging/discharging operation of thecapacitor 62 (62T, 62B) is carried out is short, there is hardly anypossibility of an erroneous determination. Moreover, even in the case ofcarrying out a binary searching operation, by utilizing the fact thatinfluences from noise are hardly caused, it becomes possible to properlycarry out a high speed calibration operation.

On the other hand, in the calibration operation of the second time orthereafter in response to the issue of a calibration command, since theperiod T2B during which a charging/discharging operation of thecapacitor 62 (62T, 62B) is carried out is set longer, it is possible toprevent an erroneous determination due to influences of noise even inthe case of carrying out a read operation or a write operation duringthe calibration operation. For this reason, for example, even in thecase of carrying out a binary searching operation, it becomes possibleto prevent an erroneous adjustment from occurring by an erroneousdetermination. Moreover, in the calibration operation of the second timeor thereafter, there are more cases in which the number of comparisonsis kept less in the linear searching operation than the number in thebinary searching operation; therefore, the configuration of the presentembodiment is also effectively applied to the linear searchingoperation. That is, as to whether the linear searching method or thebinary searching method should be used, it is determined based upondesigning ideas, and both of the methods are included in the presentinvention.

As described above, when the sequence of processes is shifted from thefirst calibration operation in response to the power application or theissue of a reset command to the second calibration operation orthereafter in response to the issue of a calibration command, thecontrol period Ts is switched. Thus, the comparison of electricpotentials and the update of the count value can be carried out by usingthe control period that is optimized for each calibration operation.

FIG. 17 is a circuit diagram showing a calibration circuit 41 inaccordance with a modified example.

The calibration circuit 41 shown in FIG. 17 is different from thecalibration circuit 41 shown in FIG. 6 in that the pull-down units PDR2to PDR5 are omitted. Moreover, in the calibration circuit 41 shown inFIG. 17, each of the reference electric potentials VREFDQ to be suppliedto the comparison circuits COMPD and COMPU is set to a ½ VDDQ level.Thus, each of the impedances of the pull-down units PDR0 and PDR1 aswell, as the pull-up unit PUR is adjusted to RZQ. In the presentinvention, the calibration circuit 41 of this type may be used.

In the foregoing description, explanations have been given based uponthe preferred embodiments of the invention; however, the presentinvention is not intended to be limited by the above-mentionedembodiments, and it is needless to say that various modifications may bemade therein within a scope not departing from the gist of the presentinvention and those modifications are included in the scope of thepresent invention.

For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the control period ofthe calibration operation of the first time is set to 4 cycles of theoscillator clock signal OSC, and the control period of the calibrationoperation of the second time is set to 9 cycles of the oscillator clocksignal OSC; however, these arrangements are exemplar only, and thelengths of the respective control periods may be desirably set dependingon characteristics or the like that are required.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: an external terminal;an output circuit having an impedance corresponding to a code signal; acalibration circuit configured to produce the code signal responsive toa comparison of a voltage at the external terminal with a referencevoltage, the comparison performed based, at least in part, on a periodiccycle signal with a first cycle period in a first mode that is definedby a reset signal and with a second cycle period in a second mode thatis defined by a calibration signal, wherein the second cycle period islonger than the first cycle period; a timing generator configured toproduce the periodic cycle signal having the first cycle period and thesecond cycle period.
 2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein thecomparison is performed based, at least in part, on the periodic cyclesignal with the first cycle period during power-on of the apparatus, andbased, at least in part, on the periodic cycle signal with the secondcycle period during a time other than the power-on.
 3. The apparatus asclaimed in claim 2, wherein the time other than the power-on includes atime when the apparatus performs a read or write operation.
 4. Theapparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the timing generator comprisesan initial judgment circuit configured to produce a signal indicatingthe first and second modes responsive to the reset signal and thecalibration signal.
 5. An apparatus, comprising: an external terminal;an output circuit configured to be coupled to the external terminal andhave an impedance according to a value of a code signal; a comparatorconfigured to produce a judgment signal by comparing a voltage potentialat the external terminal and a reference voltage potential; a countercircuit configured to update the value of the code signal according to aperiodic cycle signal, responsive to the judgment signal; and a timinggenerator configured to produce the periodic cycle signal having a firstcycle period when a status signal indicates a first status that isdefined by a reset signal and the periodic cycle signal having a secondcycle period when the status signal indicates a second status that isdefined by a calibration signal; wherein the comparator includes acapacitor, wherein the judgment signal is produced responsive to acharge level of the capacitor, wherein the capacitor is charged ordischarged according to the periodic cycle signal, responsive to avoltage potential difference between the voltage potential at theexternal terminal and the reference voltage potential, wherein thesecond cycle period corresponding to the second status of the statussignal, corresponds to a discharging or charging period of thecapacitor, and wherein the first cycle period is shorter than the secondcycle period.
 6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the statussignal indicates the first status during an initialization of theapparatus and indicates the second status when a calibration command isinput to the apparatus after the initialization has been completed. 7.The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the period corresponding toone cycle of the periodic cycle signal includes a first precharge periodcorresponding to the first status of the status signal and includes asecond precharge period corresponding to the second status of the statussignal, for precharging the capacitor, wherein the first and secondprecharge periods are substantially equal to each other.
 8. Theapparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the comparator includes anamplifier configured to detect a voltage potential difference betweenthe voltage potential at the external terminal and the reference voltagepotential; wherein the capacitor is coupled to an output node of theamplifier.
 9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the capacitorcomprises first and second capacitors, wherein the amplifier comprisesfirst and second output nodes outputting complementary signals, whereinthe first capacitor is coupled to the first output node, and wherein thesecond capacitor is coupled to the second output node.
 10. The apparatusas claimed in claim 9, wherein the amplifier drives the first and secondoutput nodes with a first current supply when the status signalindicates the first status and with a second current supply when thestatus signal indicates the second status different from the firststatus.
 11. An apparatus, comprising: an external terminal; an outputcircuit configured to be coupled to the external terminal and have animpedance according to a value of a code signal; a comparator configuredto produce a judgment signal by comparing a voltage potential at theexternal terminal and a reference voltage potential; a counter circuitconfigured to update the value of the code signal according to aperiodic cycle signal, responsive to the judgment signal; and a timinggenerator configured to produce the periodic cycle signal having a firstcycle period when a status signal indicates a first status that isdefined by a reset signal and the periodic cycle signal having a secondcycle period when the status signal indicates a second status that isdefined by a calibration signal; wherein the timing generator comprisesa clock generator configured to generate first and second clocks whenthe periodic cycle signal is activated, and further comprises a cyclesignal generator configured to produce the periodic cycle signalresponsive to the first and second clocks, and wherein the cycle signalgenerator produces the periodic cycle signal corresponding to the firstclock when the status signal indicates the first status and the periodiccycle signal corresponding to the second clock when the status signalindicates the second status.
 12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11,wherein the timing generator comprises a shift register configured toreceive the periodic cycle signal and output the first and secondclocks.